Places Connected To Lord Rama And Ramayana - Chitrakoot

A beauty that captivated even the likes of poet Tulsidas and Maharshi Valmiki! The place is said to have seen the incarnation of The Hindu Trinity, Lord Brahma , Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara. This is the place where the Great Sages Atri Muni, Rishi Agastya and Sage Sharbhanga chose to meditate. Inspired enough to visit the place? Chitrakoot is a serene and tranquil pilgrimage place considered as the abode of Gods! It is one among the places visited by Lord Rama during his exile of fourteen years.

Chitrakoot a village of religious importance which interestingly lies half in Madhya Pradesh and the other half in Uttar Pradesh. This is one among the important places connected to Ramayana where Bharat persuaded Lord Rama to return to Ayodhya and where Lord Rama performed his father Dasharatha's last rites in presence of all the Gods and Goddesses. Let's take a tour through this blessed land of Chitrakoot which is one of the main religious destinations in India.

Places to visit in Chitrakoot!

Located along Mandakini river, Chitrakoot is a beautiful yet astounding place known for it's mythological connections. People flock in to this place because of it's religious importance and is one among the important places visited by Lord Rama during his avatar. It is known for a number of temples and sites mentioned in Hindu scriptures.

Ram Ghat

Located at the centre of the town, this is where Lord Rama used to take a dip in river Mandakini during his stay at Chitrakoot. Get soaked in the serenity of this place with a holy dip in Ram Ghat.

Bharat Milap Mandir

As the name suggests, this is where Bharat met his brother Lord Rama to persuade him to return to Ayodhya. It is said that the meeting of four brother was so emotional that even the rocks and mountains of Chitrakut melted. There are evident footprints of Lord Ram and his brothers here that are worshipped. This is located on the Kamdagiri Hills, which when circumambulated (parikrama) is believed to liberate people from their sins.

Hanuman Dhara

It is a spring located on a hilltop, said to have been created by Lord Rama to soothe Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka ablaze. The temple here has five faced Hanuman deity. One has to climb close to 600 odd steps to reach the Dhara. The spring water falls directly on to the idol providing a surreal look.

Gupt Godavari Caves

A short drive of 18 km from the town would take you to this pair of caves which has beautiful intricate carvings. It houses two natural throne like rocks believed to have been occupied by Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their stay here. One of the caves has a stream of water running along it's base.

Sati Anasuya ashrama

It was here that Sage Atri Muni, one of the Saptarshis ( the seven sages), his wife Sati Anusuya and their three sons, who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva lived and meditated. The Ashram is set amidst a dense forest located along the sacred river Mandakini.It is here Sati Anasuya explained to Sita the grandeur and importance of satitva.

Many more holy places connected to Ramayana and Lord Rama exist here. Sita Rasoi,Spatik Shila, Mattagajendreshwar Temple, Janaki Kund, Bharat Koop, Sharbhanga Ashram etc are some of them. Visit this place to relive the epic journey of Lord Rama and get soaked in the tranquillity of this place.

How to reach : The nearest airport is in Khajuraho. Chitarkoot Dham is the closest railhead from the city and is well-linked to many Indian cities. Chitrakoot is well connected by roads as well.

Accomodation : There are hotels in and around Chitrakoot. Also Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Uttar Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation runs tourist bungalows that offers comfortable rooms for your stay in this holy city.